ARCH Global Precision, a Strength Capital Partners platform company that is focused on precision machined components and precision cutting tools has acquired Smiths Machine LLC, located in Cottondale, Alabama. Smiths Machine is a manufacturer of precision machined components for a diverse set of industries, including aerospace, defense, energy, locomotive and many others.

“We are very pleased to announce the acquisition of Smiths Machine. This acquisition continues the end market diversification strategy that we have been pursuing for our Precision Components segment, significantly expands our five-axis milling capabilities and establishes our initial manufacturing footprint in the Southeastern region of the country,” commented Eli Crotzer, ARCH Global Precision President and Chief Executive Officer. “Smiths Machine has built a strong business in the military/defense end market and we are confident that we can leverage existing ARCH Global Precision customer relationships to drive additional production volumes into the Smiths Machine facilities in Cottondale. We intend to partner with Tim Smith, who will remain in the business unit leadership role as the Vice President of Sales and Operations for Smiths Machine, as well as his broader management team to accelerate growth in the business”, concluded Mr. Crotzer.

Tim Smith commented “we are pleased to announce the sale of Smiths Machine to ARCH Global Precision. In choosing an acquirer to sell the company to, it was important for us to identify a buyer that was committed to the continued growth of Smiths Machine. The entire team here at Smiths Machine is excited to be a part of ARCH Global Precision. Given the track record of ARCH Global Precision and the cultural alignment between our organizations, we are confident that Smiths Machine will become an integral part of ARCH’s future success.”

Smiths Machine employees Trinity Rich (second from right) and Josh Dodd (right) demonstrate equipment for students from Shelton State Community College.

A group of students from the Shelton State Machine Tool program recently had the opportunity to experience the inner workings of a state-of-the-art milling and turning department and tooling operation, when they visited Smiths Machine.

The students, who are learning their trade at Shelton State Community College, were given an extensive tour of the high-tech equipment at Smiths Machine as part of a program to expose them to the latest industry equipment and processes.

“Smiths Machine has long been committed to doing its part to encourage students and expose them to the equipment and manufacturing processes we use here every day. We realize just how important it is that we all do what we can to educate the next generation of machinists, and to give them a hand as they work toward the day when they can assume their place within our industry. We are pleased to partner with Shelton State in doing just that,” Ashley Powers of Smiths Machine said.

Strkyer Moffat (second from left) and Isaac Wood (right) demonstrate the inner workings of a modern machine shop and manufacturing operation to students in the Machine Tool Program at Shelton State.

Smiths Machine was pleased to be featured in the October 2014 issue of Manufacturing News, in an article that highlights our innovative approach to business and engineering – one that has allowed us to grow in an economy where many businesses have struggled.

From the Manufacturing News article:

“Defense and aerospace part manufacturing require a different business approach altogether,” said Tim Smith, CEO of Smiths Machine. “It is specialized work that requires special approvals, log-down processes and complicated procedures. The complexity is challenging. It all starts with a different way of thinking, with more of an engineering approach than a production approach. Our company needed to build a new business model and the operations to support it.”

]]>http://smithsmachine.com/content/smiths-machine-in-manufacturing-news-october-2014/feed/0CEO Tim Smith Joins Area Leaders in Supporting Tuscaloosa County Industrial Developmenthttp://smithsmachine.com/content/ceo-tim-smith-joins-area-leaders-in-supporting-tuscaloosa-county-industrial-development/
http://smithsmachine.com/content/ceo-tim-smith-joins-area-leaders-in-supporting-tuscaloosa-county-industrial-development/#commentsTue, 02 Sep 2014 15:22:44 +0000http://smithsmachine.com/?p=1242Smiths Machine CEO Tim Smith joined area leaders, including University of Alabama System Chancellor Dr. Robert Whitt and Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. CEO Jason Hoff, in providing strong testimonials for business location in the County. Mr. Smith’s testimonial:

“Tuscaloosa County is the ideal location for Smiths Machine. Being a technology driven manufacturer of precision components for the defense and aerospace industries, we are continuously faced with the need to be dynamic and innovative to meet customer demands. The constantly improving training and educational programs offered in the Tuscaloosa County area have provided our company with the workforce to meet our capacity needs.

With most of our positions being highly skilled engineering jobs with some production position we see a great mix of ability and educational background due to the different universities, colleges and technical centers in the area. With the drive and leadership in the Tuscaloosa County area, I feel confident that the support from the community for our training and development programs will only continue to increase over time.”

]]>http://smithsmachine.com/content/ceo-tim-smith-joins-area-leaders-in-supporting-tuscaloosa-county-industrial-development/feed/0Tuscaloosa Community Leaders to Visit International Air Show in Englandhttp://smithsmachine.com/content/tuscaloosa-community-leaders-to-visit-international-air-show-in-england/
http://smithsmachine.com/content/tuscaloosa-community-leaders-to-visit-international-air-show-in-england/#commentsFri, 11 Jul 2014 22:50:50 +0000http://smithsmachine.com/?p=1239

Several of Tuscaloosa’s elected and business leaders plan to attend the Farnborough International Air Show in England in order boost Alabama’s aerospace industry, creating new jobs and new opportunities. The party will include Smiths Machine CEO Tim Smith, Tuscaloosa County Probate Judge Hardy McCollum, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, as well as Gov. Robert Bentley.

Tuscaloosa News reports:

“Aerospace and aviation industries are extremely important to Alabama,” Bentley said in a press release announcing the approximately $100,000 trip. “The Farnborough Air Show is a special opportunity to meet with company leaders from many of the world’s largest aerospace and aviation companies and encourage them to choose Alabama.”

Showcase for Commerce is a national trade show for business and industry, as well as a defense contracting exhibition. It is renowned for providing access to over 150 multi-national, national and regional exhibitors, more than 2000 attendees, and billions of dollars in contracts and business opportunities. Smiths Machine was proud to be a part of this event.

]]>http://smithsmachine.com/content/mike-bruce-and-isaac-wood-represent-smiths-machine-at-showcase-for-commerce/feed/0Smiths Machine Prepares for the Future with Training and Developmenthttp://smithsmachine.com/content/smiths-machine-prepares-for-the-future-with-training-and-development/
http://smithsmachine.com/content/smiths-machine-prepares-for-the-future-with-training-and-development/#commentsFri, 07 Feb 2014 22:14:59 +0000http://smithsmachine.com/?p=1181Smiths Machine has always put an emphasis on training and development. Now they are taking it to a new level. Recently, Smiths Machine partnered with DMG Mori Academy to utilize their state-of-the-art online training system.

The Education on Demand (EOD) AME21 curriculum is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With over 250 courses to choose from, there is something for each Team Member in the organization. Topics include machining, tooling, quality, project management, safety and so much more.

According to the DMG Mori Academy, students average an 150% increase in knowledge in 20% of the time of a conventional class.

All courses are online so Team Members can log on from work or from home. Smiths Machine has created a dedicated training lab for Team Members to utilize while at work or during alternative shifts. Each employee will have time devoted each year to focus on training.

“As a company, we are dedicated to providing the time and resources needed to develop our people.” says Tim Smith, CEO. “With a strategy centered on constantly adapting, growing and developing as a company; it is critical that we do the same with our Team. We feel this will not only benefit our employees, but also our customers as we become an even more efficient and dynamic company.”

Representatives from Smiths Machine gained valuable insights into the current state of the defense industry recently when they attended and exhibited at the 23rd Annual Showcase for Commerce in Johnstown, PA.

The show, with more than 150 exhibitors and over 2,000 attendees, is known for providing unique access to defense industry key decision makers.

“This Showcase for Commerce gives us an opportunity to get to know others working in the industry, but most importantly gain direct access to industry information.” says Mike Bruce, Sales Manager.

CCO Tim Smith at the Showcase for Commerce

Smiths Machine CCO Tim Smith said the Showcase lived up to its reputation of providing a concentrated dose of industry knowledge.

“The insight I gained through the Plenary Sessions during the show was very positive. It makes me even more confident that Smiths Machine is focused on the right industries,” Mr. Smith said.

The Keynote Speaker for the sessions was the Honorable Heidi Shyu, Assistant Secretary of the Army Acquisitions, Logistics and Technology. These sessions allow attendees to hear first-hand from Program Executive Officers about the overall military programs and their challenges, how industry can help them, and specific guidance on how businesses can work with them.

A group from Smiths Machine held meetings with colleagues from their major machine provider, DMG/MORI SEIKI, during the high-tech manufacturer’s Innovation Days earlier this month.

CCO Tim Smith, Engineering Manager Gerhard Hetzler, and CNC Specialist Jason Nichols held one-on-one meetings and took part in demonstrations of emerging technologies in turning and milling, ultra-high speed precision machining, and inspection during the event.

“DMG/MORI does a super job of concentrating the people and the innovations you most want to see in the space of one big show. It was a great opportunity for us to interact with exhibitors in the areas of tooling, workholding, software and automation,” Tim Smith said. “Through our strong partnership with DMG/MORI, we stay on the cutting edge with regard to new methods and materials,” Mr. Smith said.

Gerhard Hetzler spoke as a part of a presentation by Siemens regarding how companies like Smiths Machine rely on constant innovation to remain at the top of their game. Mr. Hetzler discussed Smiths Machine’s use of innovative machinery combined with innovative CAD/CAM software to gain a strategic advantage.

The three day Chicago event also featured expert seminars in the automotive and aerospace production. DMG/MORI SEIKI is a leading provider of high-tech solutions for machining, turning and milling.